Ear Pinning

Enhancing your appearance with ear surgery If protruding or disﬁgured ears bother you or your child, you may consider plastic surgery. Ear surgery — also known as otoplasty — can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. It can correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth that becomes apparent with development or it can treat misshapen ears caused by injury.

Ear surgery creates a natural shape, while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem.

Specifically ear surgery can treat:

Overly large ears — a rare condition called macrotia

Protruding ears occurring on one or both sides in varying degrees — not associated with hearing loss

Adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery

Is it right for me?Ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fufill someone else’s desires or to try to ﬁt any sort of ideal image.

Children who are good candidates for ear surgery are:

Healthy, without a life-threatening illness or untreated chronic ear infections

Generally 5 years old, or when a child’s ear cartilage is stable enough for correction

Cooperative and follow instructions well

Able to communicate their feelings and do not voice objections when surgery is discussed

Teenagers and adults who are good candidates for ear surgery are:

Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing

Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery

Does Insurance cover the procedure?

Sometimes. Some insurance carriers recognize the emotional trauma that children go through by being made fun of by other children for "looking different." Your case would need to be evaluated by your insurance on a case-by-case basis.